AFTAC briefs Member of Congress on nuclear mission

  • Published
  • By Susan A. Romano
  • AFTAC Public Affairs

Rep. Bill Posey, who represents Florida’s 8th District, visited the Air Force Technical Applications Center Feb. 22 to receive a mission update on current world events that affect the nuclear treaty monitoring center.
 
Topics of discussion included classified briefings involving AFTAC’s current operations in the European theater; directed energy weapons technology; advancements to the U.S. Nuclear Detection System; and an update on data analysis being conducted by AFTAC’s subject matter experts.
 
“I always appreciate meeting with the scientists and engineers at AFTAC who are the best in their field,” said Posey.  “It’s important for me to hear more about the current operations being executed by the Airmen at Patrick, especially when they play such an important role in our national security.”
 
Posey last visited the center in 2017 and toured AFTAC’s radiochemistry lab and operations floor. Additionally, he was briefed on AFTAC’s scientific contributions to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as well as the center’s detection of underground disturbances in the vicinity of North Korea in 2016.
 
“It is crucial for us to provide our elected officials with the information they need to make informed decisions that impact our nation and its allies,” said Col. James A. Finlayson, AFTAC commander.  “Their support is invaluable to us, and we greatly appreciate the time Representative Posey took out of his schedule to spend the afternoon with us.”
 
Finlayson extended an invitation to the Congressman to return periodically so the two leaders can continue to foster their strong, shared relationship.